Michael arrived home after finishing his work and saw that strange piece of news. The photographer had chosen a good angle when taking the photo. The photo happened to capture the time when Corrado rushed down the car and headed toward Irene. Irene was retreating in horror as Corrado rushed forward fiercely. Meanwhile, Sophia was sitting in the car and watching the scene unfold coldly. How vicious!
Michael called Danny and instructed, âDonât forget to delete the posts.â
Since the mysterious mastermind liked to spread rumors and create trouble, he would keep deleting all the posts that appeared. However, news on the internet could not be curbed simply by deleting the posts.
It would continue to be posted even after being deleted. Moreover, they were not just deleting posts, they were also deleting some of the ridiculous fan fiction. In those books, Sophia had been painted as the worldâs greatest villain.
Despite knowing about Ireneâs fear of dogs, Sophia had deliberately set her dog on Irene! How could she be so heartless?! Combined with the rumor of her pushing Irene down the stairs, she had been completely villainized and turned into a cruel, heartless woman! Contrary to her expectations, she didnât manage to kill Irene. Rather, she accidentally made Irene regain the memories she lost. In the meantime, Taylor finally saw her for who she was and dumped her. Truly, what goes around comes around!
As the internet was going crazy over the news, Irene held a press conference to explain the recent incidents. During the press conference, her head was still wrapped in bandages, and she looked anemic and haggard. Facing the cameras and the reporters, she clarified in a weak voice, âBack at the hospital the other day, I fell down the stairs myself. It had nothing to do with Miss Sophia Edwards.â
She lowered her head and studied the draft in her hand, not daring to look into the camera. However, her face was full of sorrow and disappointment, her eyes were filled with tears, and her voice was choked up.
It felt as if somebody was holding a gun to her head and forcing her to say those words. âAs for last nightâs incident, it was an accident. I fell by myself. It had nothing to do with Miss Sophia Edwards either.
So, I hope everybody will leave her alone. I sincerely wish that Taylor and Miss Edwards will have a happy and blissful life together.â
After saying that, she quickly left the scene under the escort of her manager. As she left, tears streamed down her face. She had obediently held the press conference as Michael had instructed and clarified the truth. However, the press conference was useless. With her performance, everybody became certain that Sophia was the evil one. Moreover, she even forced Irene to lie. What a vicious woman!
Afterward, Irene pitifully called Michael. Sobbing helplessly, she said, âMikey, I think I messed things up.
Iâm sorry. Itâs all my faultâ¦â
Listen to that tone; how innocent and hopeless. She wanted to help but messed things up instead.
Moreover, she stupidly tried to take all the blame on herself too. Under these circumstances, Iâd be an a*s if I said anything harsh. Thus, Michael gently replied, âItâs okay. You did nothing wrong. You did your best.â
Then, she burst into tears again. It felt like they went back 10 years into the past; she was an innocent and naïve girl and she cried until her words slurred together. âMikey, I want to see you.â
Most men would not be able to refuse at a time like this. Her plan was so thorough; she was the one who had been pushed down the stairs and she even held a press conference just because Michael asked her to. Although she messed up, it wasnât her mistake. She simply wanted to help. Could Michael still be considered human if he couldnât even grant her such a humble request?
Michael felt slightly regretful. âIâm afraid I canât. Iâm at the airport. Iâll be leaving the country soon.â
Sure enough; he was at the airport. Hale was next to him, carrying the luggage. Sophia was eagerly walking in front of him and Nathan seemed excited too as he walked beside Sophia with three dogs on leashes. Then, the family of sixâthree humans and three dogsâboarded the private plane.
Irene asked pitifully, âWhen will you return?â
Michael replied, âAfter the New Yearâs. Iâm boarding the plane. Bye.â After hanging up, he threw his phone to Hale and said, âIf she calls again, tell her Iâm busy.â
Hale nodded in response.
Bayside City was unnaturally cold this year and Sophia was sick of the cold. Besides, there were a lot of worries in the city. Hence, Michael decided to bring his family to a warmer place to celebrate New Yearâs.
As for Irene⦠Haha⦠Irene grew up in the military compound. Her parents lost their lives protecting their comrades while on a special mission. For that reason, Michael didnât want to go to the extremes. Right now, we are testing each otherâs limits. She is testing my limits. At the same time, Iâm waiting to see just how far she is willing to go. If she oversteps my boundaries, then she canât blame me for using cruel means!
All of a sudden, a car screeched to a stop at the airport. Then, Stanley barreled out of the car carrying a suitcase, and Sean was behind him.
âUncle Michael! Uncle Michael, wait for me! Wait for me!â Stanley looked like a husky running with all its might as he rushed up the plane.
Then, another car arrived late. As soon as it came to a stop, Sarah and Harry came out of the car and boarded the plane.
The plane took off quickly, bringing a group of people overseas for a vacation. It was very lively on the plane. Michael had confiscated Sophiaâs phone, so she brought many books to keep her occupied during her free time. At the moment, she was trying to put an outfit on Judge. However, it refused to be dressed, preferring to run naked. Thus, Sophia and Judge were in a tug-of-war, and she was laughing away happilyâ¦
Looking at her smiling face, Michael felt his spirits lifting. After she removed her stitches, she recuperated at home for several days. Her diet was gradually returning to normal, and she was looking forward to her vacation during the New Yearâs. In the past, she had always celebrated it at home.
Therefore, it was her first time celebrating elsewhere, and it felt a little strange.
Soon, news of Taylor bringing his beloved wife on a vacation overseas via a private plane broke out.
When Irene saw the news, she trembled with anger. So, when he told me he was going overseas, he was doing it to accompany Sophia?! Does he still have feelings for me?! Iâve already done so much for him. Canât he see the âtruthâ?! Will he only believe me if I accuse Sophia of pushing me down the stairs and almost killing me?!
After a moment, she forced herself to calm down. I know I still have a chance. I know he still has feelings for me. After all, I was his first love! We grew up together! How could Sophia possibly replace all those years we spent together! Currently, he doesnât dare to rely on me. I guess I have to praise Sophia for her tenacity. She is doing her best to keep him dancing in the palm of her hand. Hmph; even Old Master Fletcher is hoping for Michael and me to get back together. Just who does Sophia think she is?! The only thing she has over me is her age! She canât even give birth to a child!
Mulling over it, Irene decided to try calling Michael again. However, the phone had been turned off. He was probably still on the plane. Even so, she had no plans to give up. I need to get Michael back. I canât wait any longer. Nowadays, he was no longer who he used to be. He was an international celebrity.
Moreover, he had two Academy Awards. Since Celine has returned, and the burden is gone, itâs time for me to return to Michaelâs side. While pondering it, she walked into the military compound to look for Markâ¦